Transformation of industrial planning in Singapore: Study on the microclimatic condition of different industrial estates

• We studied in 4 different industrial developments, categorized as “BPD” and “B2”.
• We studied their microclimatic conditions and urban morphology characteristics.
• BPD is generally more effective in reducing the heat island intensity than B2.
• Critical urban morphology parameters on ambient temperatures were identified.

Despite the progression and variation of Singapore industrial developments over time, present literature have yet to examine the changes in the urban morphology of local industrial estates and consequently, their impact on the microclimate.The paper discusses the microclimatic condition and urban morphology in four different industrial developments developed by JTC in Singapore, constructed in different decades, and categorized into Business Park development (BPD) and B2 development (B2).Comparisons of urban morphology and microclimatic condition among the different estates were analysed. In general, it is found that, compared to B2, BPD has a lower mean SVF value, more extensive greenery, higher building height and building mass, a significantly larger proportion of greenery but lesser pavements and building area, and lower building density. There is a decreasing trend in the mean ambient air temperature observed along with the transformation of industrial developments over time. B2 has higher mean air temperature than BPD at all times of the day. B2 has lower diurnal temperature range than BPD which infers that BPD is generally more effective in reducing the heat island intensity.Finally, critical morphology parameters on ambient temperatures in industrial estates were identified. Within the 50 m radius, critical parameters with significant influence on the minimum temperature (Tmin) and the average temperature (Tavg) values are the green plot ratio (GnPR), the total tree leaf area (TREE) and the percentage of greenery area (GREEN), whereas the critical parameters with significant influence on the maximum temperature (Tmax) are SVF, GnPR, TREE and GREEN.